The correct order of actions in the management of the postoperative surgical trauma patient who has been admitted to the critical care unit after surgery is: _______________, _______________, _______________,_______________

Question

(Put a comma and space between each answer choice.) a. Connect the patient to bedside monitor and mechanical ventilator.
b. Obtain vital signs, rhythm, oxygen saturation, and neurological status.
c. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation.
d. Reassess and evaluate patency of IV lines, and adjust rate of fluid administration as ordered.

Answer 1

C, A, B, D
The initial intervention upon admission to the critical care unit is a rapid assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation. The nurse quickly connects the patient to the bedside monitor and ventilator, and completes an assessment of vital signs, cardiac rhythm, pulse oximetry reading, level of consciousness, and pupil reactivity. The nurse reassesses IV access and evaluates the patency of IV catheters, because they may have become dislodged during transport. Calculation of medication dosages and rates is completed as part of the initial assessment. Once the assessment and initial interventions have been completed, the family is contacted to see the patient.